CAN I GO EN POINTE YET?

This question is heard over and over again from parents and students. Starting pointe is such a big milestone in a dancer’s life. Dancing on your toes requires tremendous strength of the legs and feet and it can be very dangerous. Please understand that dance teachers have every dancer’s best interests and well-being at heart and they do not withhold pointe shoes as a punishment.

While pointe shoes are a privilege, there is a real possibility of damage from putting a dancer en pointe before they are physically ready to do so.  Please trust your dance teachers professional opinion and and understand that when you are ready, it is their honor to tell you that you are ready to take the next step in your dance training with the addition of pointe shoes to your repertoire.

Here are some things your dance teacher should look for from you:

You are at least 10 years old.

The proper age to start pointe is controversial and it can be very damaging if this work is started before the growth of the foot is complete. Keep in mind that many issues and injuries can occur if you begin pointe work too early and these factors go down significantly the longer you wait.  Waiting is not bad!

You have proper body alignment.

Body placement is essential which means that the upper body should be over the hips, the tailbone should be dropped and the lower back lengthened and the abdominal muscles must be fully engaged the entire time a dancer dances.

You are turned out at the hip using your rotator muscles.

If a you do a relevé and your heels slip backward, you are not using their muscles properly.

You must have leg strength.

The knees should stay absolutely straight in relevés, tendus and piqués. You should also be able to balance on both feet and one foot for long periods of time.

You must have proper ankle alignment, flexibility and strength.

You should be able to relevé with your weight between your second and third toe with your heels naturally high off the floor and maintain that position on both feet and one foot.

Be gentle to your body though, and look after yourself so you are healthy enough to work en pointe.